Baking is almost therapeutic. No matter how many times you bake a fresh batch of cookies, pies, or cinnamon rolls, the process of going from dough to dessert can always put you in a good mood. And watching cinnamon rolls puffing up and icing melt into every swirl from the window of your oven is truly satisfying. However, getting the texture of cinnamon rolls right on the first go can be tricky. If you don’t want a dry and dense mess of unbaked rolls in your baking tray, here are some quick baking tips to make the most of Usha’s steam oven.
Ensure The Dough Is Hydrated
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Cinnamon rolls rely on a well-hydrated dough kneaded with milk, butter, eggs, and sugar. Since Usha’s steam oven retains moisture more effectively than a conventional oven, ensuring that the dough is hydrated becomes all the more important. It should have a smooth feel and be elastic to make dense rolls that hold their shape after rising.
Combine Steam And Convection
Make the most of your steam oven by using it in combination mode. You can set Usha’s steam oven to combination mode at around 180°C with a moderate steam setting. While the steam keeps the inside of the cinnamon roll moist, conventional heat crisps the exterior to a golden-brown colour. In fact, when you bake in a convection oven, the insides can dry out very quickly, making steam ovens a much more efficient oven.
Preheating And Spacing
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Just like you would preheat a traditional oven, you would preheat a steam oven as well. Since the appliance relies on precise humidity and temperature, an underheated oven won’t generate steam efficiently. Once the steam oven is heated, ensure the cinnamon rolls are arranged evenly, and there’s enough space between each one to rise and puff up.
Monitor The Temperature
Instead of waiting for the cinnamon rolls to turn golden-brown, monitor the temperature. Invest in an instant-read thermometer, and once the insides register between 88°C and 93°C, that’s your sign of fully baked cinnamon rolls. This removes the guesswork and keeps an eye on the steam oven’s window, and always gets a batch of fluffy cinnamon rolls.
Rest Before Icing
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Once the cinnamon rolls fluff up, rest them for about 10-15 minutes to let them set. If you add icing to the cinnamon rolls when they’re hot, the glaze can melt and even soak into the dough. So, to prevent the cinnamon rolls from turning soggy, be patient, and let the rest. After about fifteen minutes, add the icing, and serve your freshly baked treats.